Test: ir and ear - longer words
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affirm
confirm
infirm
circular
circulation
circuit
earnest
research
About this word list ▼
About this word list ▲
Some words in English use the letters ir or ear to spell the /er/ sound. This sound is common in longer words like affirm, confirm, and earnest. The ir and ear combinations create a similar sound to er in her.
Here are two examples:
affirm – I affirm my faith in my religion.
earnest – Their conversation sounded very earnest.
These words might feel challenging, but recognising the er pattern will make them easier to spell.
Click on the speaker icon to hear these er words pronounced!
This word list was created by Spellzone. View more Spellzone course lists or curriculum word lists.
Learn more in Unit 11. Spelling choices for /er/ sound: er, ir, ur, ear + wor